Seminar in Counseling



Gannon University

Community Counseling Program

GCOU 690 Seminar in Counseling

Section 01

Three Credits

Fall Semester 2008

Kenneth G. McCurdy, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS

Associate Professor

mccurdy003@ gannon.edu

2226 Palumbo Academic Center

814/ 871-7791

Office Hours:

Tuesday (2:00 – 4:00)

Wednesday (2:00 – 5:00)

Thursday (2:00 – 5:00)

By Appointment

Psychology Department Office:

Undergraduate / Graduate Office: 2231 Palumbo Academic Center

814/871-7538 FAX 814/871-5511

Gannon web site: gannon.edu

The mission of Gannon University’s Community Counseling Program is to educate and train students to become professional counselors who are committed to the wellness of individuals, families, groups, and the greater community. The philosophy of the program focuses on the development of the competencies required of professional counselors. The program is committed to (a) enhancing students’ knowledge of counseling theory and concepts; (b) developing strategies to facilitate human growth and development over the lifespan; (c) providing skills and training requisite of generalist entry-level counseling practitioners; (d) developing multicultural competencies; (e) promoting the development of sound legal and ethical decision-making skills; and (f) preparing individuals for national certification and professional licensure. Although students are typically drawn from the regional area, applicants with diverse backgrounds and from outside the region are encouraged to apply. Students are guided to embody and contribute to the spirit of diversity to which the program and profession are committed.

Required Text

Wheeler, A. M., & Bertram, B. (2008). The counselor and the law: A guide to legal and ethical practice

(5th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

Recommended Text

Rosenthal, H. (2009). Encyclopedia of counseling (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Routledge.

For School Counseling Students - On Reserve in the Library

Educational Testing Services. (2003). Study guide school leaders and service: educational leadership;

administration and supervision, library media specialist, school psychologist, school guidance and counseling. Princeton, NJ: Author.

Rationale:

This seminar is taken following the completion of the Foundations, Counseling Core I and Counseling Core II course work. This seminar reviews counselor preparation for certification and licensure. Legal and ethical standards for practice will be emphasized and reviewed. Students will be required to create a professional vitae, working portfolio and pass a final examination.

Course Outcomes:

Knowledge

Students will: .

CACREP CACREP

Core Comm

|A. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of human growth and development across the lifespan required of |II.K.3 | |

| |professional counselors; | | |

|B. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of social and cultural issues required of professional counselors; |II.K.2 | |

|C. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of helping relationships required of professional counselors; |II.K.5 | |

|D. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of group dynamics and counseling required of professional counselors; |II.K.6 | |

|E. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of career development and counseling required of professional counselors; |II.K.4 | |

|F. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of appraisal, assessment and evaluation required of professional |II.K.7 | |

| |counselors; | | |

|G. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of research and program evaluation required of professional counselors; |II.K.8 | |

|H. |Demonstrate a minimal understanding of professional orientation required of professional counselors; |II.K.1 | |

|I. |Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of |II.K.1-8 | |

| |counseling as assessed on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE); | | |

|J. |Compare and contrast critical issues relevant to community and school counseling. |II.K.1-8 | |

Skills

Students will:

CACREP CACREP

Core Comm

|A. |Examine how the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of counseling are incorporated into |II.K.1-8 | |

| |the provision of counseling services; | | |

|B. |Analyze the application of the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of counseling in |II.K.1-8 | |

| |unique counseling settings; | | |

|C. |Demonstrate professional competencies in each of the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice |II.K.1-8 | |

| |of counseling; | | |

|D. |Explain the appropriate integration of professional counseling skills, knowledge and ethics relevant to |II.K.1-8 | |

| |critical issues in the practice of community and school counseling. | | |

Attitudes & Values

Students will:

CACREP CACREP

Core Comm

|A. |Examine the importance of being a reflective practioner within each of the eight core knowledge areas for the |II.K.1-8 | |

| |professional practice of counseling to enhance effective counseling outcomes; | | |

|B. |Recognize the importance of demonstrating competent and highly ethical practice of professional counseling; |II.K.1 | |

|C. |Develop an understanding of diversity issues, as well as personal biases, relevant to the eight core knowledge|II.K.2 | |

| |areas for the professional practice of counseling; | | |

|D. |Relate ones own personal perceptions and biases towards critical issues in community and school counseling to |II.K.1-8 | |

| |ethical and competent practice. | | |

The objectives in this course meet the following Pennsylvania Department of Education School Counseling Standards: I.A., I.B., I.C., I.D., I.E., I.F., I.G., I.H., I.J., I.K.

Course Topics:

Review the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of counseling:

- Human Growth & Development Over the Lifespan

- Social & Cultural Issues

- Helping relationships

- Group Dynamics and Counseling

- Career Development & Counseling

- Assessment and Appraisal

- Research Dynamics in Counseling

- Professional Orientation

Identify professional practices for community and school counselors taking into account the following

documents:

ACA Code of Ethics, ASCS Code of Ethics, ASGW Code of Ethics, NBCC Code of Ethics, and the PA Code of Professional Practice & Conduct for Educators.

Legal and Ethical Issues pertaining to Professional Counseling in the community and in k-12 schools

Understand professional competence relating to the practice of professional counseling

HIPPA Regulations

Identify and demonstrate competencies in the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of

counseling

Preparation for certification and licensure

Instructional Methods and Activities

▪ This course utilizes a several different formats: 1) Lecture and presentation; 2) Interactive group and cooperative learning; 3) Case Study; 4) Completion of numerous practice examinations. Please note that no one set/type of questions can accurately represent the potential items on professionally prepared certification and licensure exams. Mastery of knowledge and test taking strategies from completing various types of questions will help increase potential for success. Saturday courses will include lecture, presentation, interactive group and cooperative learning. Weekday classes will include lecture and presentation, and case study.

▪ The course requires students be actively involved in the learning process through cooperative learning experiences focusing on the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of counseling.

Field Components/Service Learning/Special Experiences

▪ Students are expected to conduct out of class group meetings and cooperative learning experiences to augment the learning process.

Methods of Evaluation/Assessments/Evidence

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Test (10 pts.)

(Outcomes Assessed: CACREP-II.K.1-8 / PDE- I.B-G / Comm Coun-1-3)

Students will complete a video-based review of the HIPAA regulations and complete a multiple choice quiz on these regulations.

Content Area Presentations (50 pts. total)

(Outcomes Assessed: CACREP-II.K.1-8 / PDE- I.B-G / Comm Coun-1-3)

Students will be assigned to review components of each core knowledge area for the professional practice of counseling. This in-depth examination will include a detailed presentation focusing on specific components of each content area. Detailed information is available on Angel.

Content Area Quizzes (20 pts. total)

(Outcomes Assessed: CACREP-II.K.1-8 / PDE- I.B-G / Comm Coun-1-3)

There will be 4 quizzes that students access on Angel and complete at home by the next class session. Each quiz covers two content areas. The questions will be similar to those on the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the PRAXIS II Subject Test – School Guidance and Counseling (School Counseling). The questions will assess knowledge in the counseling content areas reviewed in class. They will cover assigned readings, information given during the lecture, the content presentations and other pertinent information from the content areas. The format is multiple choice. After completing a quiz, you will need to complete an analysis of your performance for each content area in the discussion board on Angel looking at strengths and areas for improvement based on the results. Students are encouraged to share study techniques and other “pointers” to assist in preparing for the exam. Full credit will be given for completed quizzes and discussion board analyses.

Professional Counselor Portfolio (100 pts.)

(Outcomes Assessed: CACREP-II.K.1-8 / PDE- I.A -K /Comm Coun-1-3)

Students will create a Professional Counselor Portfolio. This assignment requires students consider what components best reflect their knowledge, competencies, achievements, and abilities as a professional counselor. The portfolio will serve two purposes: 1) as a more effective comprehensive evaluation method of your professional development; and 2) as an avenue to demonstrate professional knowledge, competencies and specialty training for the practice of professional counseling. A detailed description of the portfolio purpose and goals, domains, format and required content is on Angel.

Ethical Case Study Assignments (20 pts.)

(Outcomes Assessed: CACREP-II.K.1-8 / PDE- I.B-G / Comm Coun-1-3)

Students will complete several ethical case studies. These will serve to evaluate students’ ethical decision making as well as their understanding and utilization of relevant ethical codes, the PA Code Title 49 (LPC Law). Each case study should be e-mailed to the professor by noon of the day it is due.

Final Preparation Exam (50 pts.)

(Outcomes Assessed: CACREP-II.K.1-8 / PDE- I.B-G / Comm Coun-1-3)

Students will complete a final objective exam that will be a similar format to the NCE and School Counseling certification exams. It will serve as a preparation exam for those students who intend to take the Community Counseling program comprehensive exam (CPCE), the NCE exam, and the exam for School Counseling certification.

Course Requirements/Grade Assignment Points:

HIPAA Test 10

Group Content Area Presentation 50

Content Area Quizzes (4 / 5 points each) 20

Professional Counselor Portfolio 100

Ethical Case Studies 20

Final Preparation Exam 50

Total Points: 250

Grading Criteria/Scale (by points):

A = 235 & above B+ = 228-220 B- = 209-203 C =194- 175

A- = 234-229 B = 219-210 C+ = 202-195 F = 174 & below

Commitment to Diversity

The Community Counseling Program establishes and supports an environment that values the diverse and unique nature of human experiences and backgrounds. We enrich our personal and professional lives by exemplifying Gannon University’s call to demonstrate professional respect for the dignity of every person.

▪ Students with special needs are encouraged to notify the professor on the first day of class. Additionally, students with special needs are also encouraged to notify Dr. Harvey Kanter, ADA/504 Coordinator (871-5522) who can discuss your needs and disability documentation to make appropriate accommodations.

Utilization of Technology

The Community Counseling Program supports the Technical Competencies for Counselor Education (2007) advocated by the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Courses and faculty utilize all available technology to meet course outcomes and promote the technological competence of counseling students.

▪ The course is a technology-based course presented on Angel and available to students 24 hours a day. Students will be required to complete activities in which they must utilize Angel, download pertinent documents and resources, and communicate with the instructor through electronic discussion and e-mail. Students should check Angel at least bi-weekly for announcements and updates, and to complete assignments. Please check all sections of Angel regularly.

References/Resources

▪ A detailed resource list will be distributed during the course to assist in preparing for the following examinations: Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) – comprehensive examination; the National Counselor Exam (NCE) – licensure exam LPC, PRAXIS II Subject Test “School Guidance and Counseling” – School Counselor Certification.

▪ Numerous websites are linked to this course on Angel that have a large amount of resources that students can use during this course as well as in their preparation for the various examinations.

▪ Students are expected to refer to the texts that were required in their graduate courses that covered each of the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of counseling as well as outside resources to prepare for the comprehensive examinations and respective licensure and certification examinations.

▪ Detailed information will be provided regarding National Certification as an NCC, licensure as an LPC and School Counselor Certification in Pennsylvania.

Academic Integrity

Gannon University considers the maintenance of academic integrity of utmost importance. Absolute integrity is expected of every Gannon student in all academic undertakings. Community Counseling students are held to the Academic Integrity in the current Graduate Catalog.

Class Policies & Tentative Course Schedule

▪ This is a course where you will be synthesizing knowledge gained from other counseling courses as well as incorporating new information. It will be important to conceptualize information in such a way that you will have quick access to specific content within the eight core knowledge areas for the professional practice of counseling. To this extent it is crucial that you be able to demonstrate a minimal understanding of and ability to relay this information in a professional manner. PRACTICE AND CONTINOUS REVIEW WILL IMPROVE YOUR COMPREHENSION AND OVERALL ABILITY TO EXPRESS THAT KNOWLEDGE!

▪ Attendance is very important. Absences may affect your grade. Absence in two or more weekday, or one Saturday class, may result in a failing grade except in cases of emergency or extreme hardship. These extra ordinary circumstances may be considered, but students are responsible for contacting the professor prior to the absence or in as close proximity to the absence as possible.

▪ All phones, beepers and other electronic devices are to be turned off in class and placed out of sight throughout the class period. Students with a confirmed “emergency” situation must receive approval from the professor before class for any exceptions to be granted. If an emergency arises that your presence at class is in question, you need to truly assess if you should come to class in the first place.

▪ Participation is expected in each class session and out of class group and experiential learning activities.

▪ All assignments are due by the end of class on the dates listed on the class schedule. Late assignments will generally not be accepted. In cases of documented or extreme circumstances, assignments may be accepted with a reduction of grade determined by the professor. Generally, no “I” grades will be given.

▪ Resolution of Concern with an Instructor: If you have a concern with an instructor or a course, the resolution begins by speaking with the instructor. If the concern continues after this conversation, speak with the chair/director of the instructor’s department. Any continuing concerns should be taken to the Dean’s Office in the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences in PAC 1000.

| | | | | | |

|DATE | |# |CHAPTER/SECTION |GCOU 690 TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN CLASS |ASSIGNMENTS |

|Sept. 2 |T |1 | |Review Syllabus, Professional Counseling, Counselor Preparation, Risk Management |Take Home PreExamination |

| | | |C – L1 |Strategies | |

|Sept. 9 |T |2 |B-1&2 |Portfolio Development / Licensure & Certification |Bring Completed and Scored PreExam. to Class |

| | | |W-1-3 | | |

| | | |C - L2 | | |

|Sept. 16 |T |3 |W- 4-7 |Legal and Ethical Codes (ACA, NBCC, PDE, ASCA, ASGW, ACES) |Case Study #1 Due |

| | | |C - L3 | |Listen to all of the Risk Management Strategies Modules on Angel by |

| | | | | |this class |

|Sept. 23 |T |4 |W- 8-9 |Legal and Ethical Decision Making (Ethical Genogram) |Case Study #2 Due |

| | | |C - L4 | | |

|Sept. 30 |T |5 |W-5 |Current Legal and Ethical Issues – HIPPA, Risk Management Strategies in Depth |Complete HIPPA Video (Angel) Before Class |

| | | |C-HIPAA | | |

|Oct. 7 |T |6 | |The CPCE, NCE, & PRAXIS Exams |HIPAA Test completed before this class |

| | | |C - EP | | |

|Oct. 11 |S |7 |B-3&4 |Social & Cultural Issues; Human Growth & Development |Quiz #1 / Content Areas Presentations |

|Oct. 18 |S |8 |B-5&6 |Helping Relationships; Group Dynamics & Counseling |Quiz #2 / Content Area Presentations |

|Nov. 1 |S |9 |B-7&8 |Career Development; Appraisal & Assessment |Quiz #3 / Content Area Presentations |

|Nov. 8 |S |10 |B-9&10 |Research & Program Evaluation; Professional Orientation to Counseling |Quiz #4 / Content Area Presentations |

| | | | | |Final Preparation Exam |

|Nov. 11 |T |11 | |Final Exam | |

|Nov. 22 |S | | |Comprehensive Examination – Everyone Enrolled in GCOU 691 | |

|Dec. 2 |T |12 | |Professional Competencies Review - Portfolio Presentations |Portfolio Due |

This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the professor

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Text Readings:

B= Rosenthal

C= Angel (L = Lesson on Angel)

W= Wheeler & Bertram, 2008

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